Roberto Mancini claims he never felt threatened by recurring speculation linking Pep Guardiola with his job as the Manchester City manager.

Even as recently as last weekend there were newspaper reports claiming the in-demand former Barcelona manager was destined for the Etihad Stadium in the summer.

That will not be happening after the confirmation in midweek that the Champions League-winner Guardiola, after a year-long sabbatical, will return to the game with the German club Bayern Munich next season.

While Guardiola was suggested as a possible fit for several clubs, speculation that he could be City's next manager intensified after the appointment of the former Barça executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain to senior roles at City.

But Mancini said: "I didn't have any problem for this – I understand the newspapers should write that every manager wants to take this place because it is a good place. But I think we work very well here, I have a five-year contract and I think this is possible for five years."

Mancini committed himself to City until 2017 after guiding them to their first league title in 44 years last summer. At the same time Guardiola stepped down at the Nou Camp to take a break from the game.

Mancini, speaking before City's Premier League match with Fulham on Saturday, was asked if he was surprised at Guardiola's choice of next club.

"I don't know," he said. "You should ask him. Bayern Munich is one of the top clubs in the world for its history, like Barça. If he decides this, it is because it is the best solution for him."